It was Stoke against Wolves at the bet365 this evening - the penultimate friendly before the big kick off - and a testing fixture against last season's runaway title winners in the Championship.

Manager Gary Rowett predictably fielded a strong starting 11, including debuts for new wing pair James McClean and Tom Ince, while Badou Ndiaye made a surprise appearance in midfield amid on-going rumours over his future at the club.

FEDERICI: Some comfortable first-half saves for the Aussie thanks to woeful Wolves finishing, but soon had his fingertips stung by a cross shot after the break 6

BAUER: Always prepared to try something offensively, even if it doesn't always come off, and relegation has dulled none of his energy and enthusiasm on this evidence, not least when powering a shot goalwards and forcing a fine low save on the hour 7

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PIETERS: Seems to be hitting the groove ahead of what looks like being a busy season at left back if he keeps his form together 6

SHAWCROSS: Some trademark clearances and firm challenges as he eases himself towards the starting grid at Leeds, while one glorious diagonal pass is hopefully a sign of things to come at Elland Road and the like 7

Ryan Shawcross has worn the armband for the past eight seasons (Image: Getty)

MARTINS INDI: Recovered from one shaky moment first half when misjudging the pace of the ball before looking pretty unruffled for the rest of a pretty routine evening defensively 6

FLETCHER: Was looking sharp with and without the ball for the first half-hour before getting caught in possession like days of old 6

ALLEN: Got through his usual workload as he busied himself linking the play and poking his nose into empty pockets of space 7